La Garenne International School vs Lemania College
La Garenne International School and Lemania College are both in Lausanne, about 40 km apart. Both schools offer IB programmes. La Garenne International School also offers IPC and IMYC, and Lemania College also offers Bespoke, French and Swiss. Published annual fees are CHF 36,000 - 115,000 at La Garenne International School and CHF 20,700 - 105,080 at Lemania College, which puts La Garenne International School roughly 20% higher. La Garenne International School takes pupils from 5 to 18, and Lemania College from 11 to 20. Lemania College is the larger school, with around 1,100 pupils to La Garenne International School's 150. Both keep typical class sizes around 12.
IB (DP), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), IMYC (International Middle Years Curriculum)
Curriculum
IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum, French Curriculum, Swiss Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
150
Pupils
1,100
Typical class size
Typical class size
12
Typical class size
12
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
French, English
Opened
Opened
1947
Opened
1908
Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
The school is in the alpine village of Chesières, Villars-sur-Ollon, Switzerland. It is located at Chemin des Chavasses 23, 1885 Chesières. The alpine setting provides a mountain environment for boarding and day students.
Location
Located in the heart of Lausanne, Switzerland. The campus address is Chemin de Préville 3, 1003 Lausanne. Lausanne Central Station is a 5-minute walk from the campus.
Stages
Stages
The school serves ages 3 to 18, with Reception (early years), Primary School, Secondary School, IB Diploma Programme, and High School Programme.
Stages
General Education at secondary level includes Swiss Maturity, French Baccalaureate, and International Baccalaureate. Professional Training is available, with courses offered during the day or evening. The school provides the International Baccalaureate experience and pre-IB (9–10) pathways.
School type
School type
The school is an international boarding school offering boarding and day programmes.
School type
Private international school in Lausanne with day and boarding options.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
The school has a Head of Learning Support and offers Personalised Learning and Intensive English.
Additional learning support
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
Switzerland
Country affiliation
Switzerland
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
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School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
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Bus service details
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Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application fees
- Application fee (new students): CHF 1,500. It is payable by credit card or bank transfer.
Enrolment deposit and one-off contributions
- Enrolment deposit (boarders): CHF 10,000. - Enrolment deposit (day students): CHF 2,000. - Campus Enhancement Fund contribution: CHF 5,000 (one-off). - Swiss student residence permit (B permit) fee for new non‑European boarding students: CHF 2,100 (non‑refundable). - Health insurance charge (new and returning): CHF 2,200 (billed as a general fee).
Tuition fees by year group (annual)
- Years 1 to 6 (Primary) - Boarder: CHF 84,000 per year. - Day student*: CHF 46,000 per year.
- Middle Years Programme 1 to 3 (Years 7 to 9) - Boarder: CHF 94,500 per year. - Day student*: CHF 61,000 per year.
- Middle Years Programme 4 & 5 (Years 10 & 11) - Boarder: CHF 116,000 per year. - Day student*: CHF 83,000 per year.
- Diploma Years (Years 12 & 13) - Boarder: CHF 126,000 per year. - Day student*: CHF 92,000 per year.
*Special local conditions apply for day students whose parent(s) work within the local community; the school verifies addresses to confirm eligibility.
Per‑term amounts (calculated)
- The school operates three terms (Terms 1, 2 and 3). The published annual tuition above has been divided by three to produce per‑term figures below (this is a calculated per‑term breakdown based on the annual fee). Example per‑term amounts (annual ÷ 3): - Years 1–6 boarder: CHF 28,000 per term (CHF 84,000 ÷ 3). - Years 1–6 day student: CHF 15,333 per term (CHF 46,000 ÷ 3). - Years 7–9 boarder: CHF 31,500 per term (CHF 94,500 ÷ 3). - Years 7–9 day student: CHF 20,333 per term (CHF 61,000 ÷ 3). - Years 10–11 boarder: CHF 38,667 per term (CHF 116,000 ÷ 3). - Years 10–11 day student: CHF 27,667 per term (CHF 83,000 ÷ 3). - Years 12–13 boarder: CHF 42,000 per term (CHF 126,000 ÷ 3). - Years 12–13 day student: CHF 30,667 per term (CHF 92,000 ÷ 3).
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Annual fees are invoiced in two invoices except for Diploma Years (Years 12 & 13), where the full amount is payable in advance. The first invoice covers Terms 1 and 2 plus general fees; the second invoice covers Term 3. Payment deadlines: first invoice must be settled by 1 June at the latest; the Term 3 invoice must be settled before 1 December. For new enrolments there are specific advance payment rules tied to the date of enrolment (e.g., required deposits and minimum advance percentages). New enrolment deposits are required before a place is guaranteed. A refundable deposit is held to cover unpaid supplementary expenses (see deposit amounts above).
- For new enrolments before 1 May the school requests at least 15% of the first invoice and the CHF 5,000 Campus Enhancement Fund contribution to guarantee the place. For enrolments after 1 June full payment of the first invoice is required within 15 days. For enrolments after 15 August or during the school year, payment of the first invoice is required before the student can start. All extras are billed separately at the end of each term and must be paid within 30 days.
Boarding fees and what is included
- Boarding fees are the boarder tuition figures listed above (annual). Boarding provision and charges are included within those boarder fees. The published boarding fee includes full board and lodging, school uniform, hire of ski uniform, tuition and supervised studies, loan of textbooks and some class materials, ski pass for boarders, ski locker, use of school laundry for boarders, library and computer network use, sports and cultural activities and short Swiss expeditions, on‑site healthcare, and transport to/from Geneva Airport within the school's published dates and times, plus applicable taxes/VAT.
Other costs and extras (not included in published tuition)
- Health and accident insurance and medication (the school bills health insurance as a general fee separately). - Private lessons, learning support, university application fees, non‑mainstream IB languages or any IB subject not provided in the curriculum. - Extracurricular after‑school clubs, stationery, ski equipment hire, official external exam fees (e.g., Cambridge, DELF), pocket money, personal and digital photo packages, complementary health packages, personal expenses (hairdresser, dentist, dry cleaning, postage), mandatory school trips. For day students specifically: ski pass, day trips, uniform, laundry, expeditions and health insurance are excluded from the day tuition and billed separately.
- Pocket money for new students is collected in advance on the first invoice; older students may be provided with a debit card arrangement managed by the school.
Refund, cancellation and withdrawal terms
- If a new student cancels enrolment for Term 1 before 1 June, school fees already paid (excluding the Application Fee, Enrolment Deposit and Swiss B permit fee) are reimbursed in full. If cancellation occurs after 1 June or for certain mid‑year enrolments, the school may retain or collect all of the first fees invoice; variable costs such as uniform, school meals and health insurance are fully reimbursed. A deposit is fully reimbursed within 120 days of a student leaving provided all accounts are settled. No fee reimbursement is made for absence from school due to sickness, injury or other reasons. If a student is permanently excluded or withdrawn during the academic year, fees for the current and following term remain due. Change of boarding status during the academic year does not entitle parents to a refund. Late payment interest and reminder charges apply for overdue invoices.
Discounts and family benefits
- Sibling discount for boarders: 10% for the second child, 15% for the third child, 20% for the fourth and any additional children (applied to tuition only).
Payment methods and banking details
- Accepted payment methods: credit card and bank transfer for application fees; school accepts payments by bank transfer, and offers an online international payment option via Flywire to allow secure payments from most countries and to reduce bank fees and poor exchange rates. Contact the school accountant for bank details; Flywire is available for international payments. The school cannot accept payments or transfers from banks or individuals on certain sanctions lists.
Late payment and penalties
- Reminders and late payments incur charges: the school may apply late payment interest (annualised rate 10% in accordance with Swiss law) and charge reminder fees; outstanding fees may lead to withholding of reports, certificates, or the student being prevented from returning until accounts are settled. A deposit is retained to cover unpaid supplementary expenses and will be reimbursed within 120 days after departure once accounts are settled.
Notes on what the annual tuition covers and does not cover
- Included in the published annual tuition for boarders: full board and lodging, school uniform, hire of ski uniform, tuition and supervised studies, certain textbooks and class materials, ski pass for boarders, ski locker, school laundry (boarders), library/computer network access, sports and cultural activities, short local expeditions, on‑site healthcare, and scheduled airport transfers. - Not included: health and accident insurance (billed separately as a general fee), private lessons, elective external IB/Cambridge exam fees not in the curriculum, optional extracurricular clubs, stationery, ski equipment hire, pocket money, personal expenses, and mandatory school trips where noted. Day student fees exclude items such as the ski pass, some day trips, uniform, laundry, expeditions and health insurance.
(End of fees overview.)
Fee details
Application and registration fees
- Application fee (non‑refundable): CHF 1,500. - Administration fee (annual, non‑refundable): CHF 500. - Alumni fee: CHF 500. - CAS trip fee: CHF 500. - Deposit (refundable): CHF 6,000 for boarding students; CHF 1,000 for day students. The refundable boarding deposit must be paid before arrival and will be returned on request after accounts are settled (refund processed within three months after the end of the academic course).
Tuition fees by year group (academic year 2025/26)
- Grade 9 (Prep Year 1): CHF 25,000 per academic year. Per semester (if invoiced semi‑annually): CHF 12,500. Per quarter (if invoiced quarterly): CHF 6,250. - Grade 10 (Prep Year 2): CHF 28,000 per academic year. Per semester: CHF 14,000. Per quarter: CHF 7,000. - Grade 11 (IB1): CHF 36,000 per academic year. Per semester: CHF 18,000. Per quarter: CHF 9,000. - Grade 12 (IB2): CHF 36,000 per academic year. Per semester: CHF 18,000. Per quarter: CHF 9,000.
Boarding fees (grades 9–12; room + full board)
All boarding fees below are given as annual amounts. The school offers 7‑day (full week) and 5‑day options and three room categories (Standard, Comfort, Comfort+).
- Standard (double room): 7‑day CHF 39,220; per semester CHF 19,610; per quarter CHF 9,805. 5‑day CHF 28,490; per semester CHF 14,245; per quarter CHF 7,123. - Standard (single room): 7‑day CHF 66,230; per semester CHF 33,115; per quarter CHF 16,558. 5‑day CHF 47,730; per semester CHF 23,865; per quarter CHF 11,933. - Comfort (double room): 7‑day CHF 49,580; per semester CHF 24,790; per quarter CHF 12,395. 5‑day CHF 33,250; per semester CHF 16,625; per quarter CHF 8,313. - Comfort (single room): 7‑day CHF 85,470; per semester CHF 42,735; per quarter CHF 21,368. 5‑day CHF 60,310; per semester CHF 30,155; per quarter CHF 15,078. - Comfort + (double room): 7‑day CHF 58,830; per semester CHF 29,415; per quarter CHF 14,708. 5‑day CHF 49,920; per semester CHF 24,960; per quarter CHF 12,480. - Comfort + (single room): 7‑day CHF 105,080; per semester CHF 52,540; per quarter CHF 26,270. 5‑day CHF 74,000; per semester CHF 37,000; per quarter CHF 18,500.
Included in the boarding fee: full board (three meals per day and continuous snacks), daily housekeeping, weekly laundry and ironing, supply of bed linen and towels, unlimited Wi‑Fi, educational supervision and evening study support, sport/fitness and some leisure, cultural and weekend activities. For day students the tuition fee includes tuition and books.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Billing frequency options: per quarter, per semester (semi‑annual) or per year; if no option is selected on the application the school will invoice by term. Payments are required in advance according to the invoice deadlines. The student's place is reserved only after receipt of the first installment indicated on the acceptance invoice. - Currency and bank details: all payments must be made in Swiss francs (CHF). Bank transfer details (IBAN/SWIFT) are provided on school invoices. - Credit card and PayPal: payment by credit card incurs a 3% service charge; payment via PayPal incurs a 3% fee. Any bank transfer, exchange or intermediary bank fees are charged to the payer. Refunds of credit card payments are made back to the same card. - Late payment: interest at 1% per month plus reminder fees is applied from the second reminder; repeated or cumulative non‑payment may lead to immediate expulsion from courses and from boarding until accounts are settled.
Other costs and optional fees
- Examination fees (diplomas, certificates) are charged separately and are not included in tuition. - Optional/ancillary fees that may apply: study visa letter (Swiss side) CHF 450 for non‑EU students (where applicable), express mail for visa documents CHF 120, airport limousine transfers (one‑way/round trip) at published rates, and additional charges for extra boarding days outside the academic year (Christmas, winter, Easter, etc.). Extra activities, certain language subjects and external examination costs may carry additional charges.
Refunds and cancellation / early‑departure charges
- Cancellation before the course: if cancellation occurs 30 days before the start of the course, only the registration fee is due. Cancellation 14–30 days before the course results in penalties of CHF 1,000 for tuition and CHF 2,500 for boarding. Cancellation less than 14 days before the course requires payment of the first calendar quarter. - Early departure during studies: in the event of early departure or cancellation during the course, parents/guardians or the student must pay the tuition and boarding fees for the current calendar quarter and the following calendar quarter, plus any other costs incurred. A letter of credit may be issued in exceptional circumstances to cover outstanding study periods; such credit can only be used against future tuition. The refundable boarding deposit is returned on request after final account settlement (within three months). If the deposit is not reclaimed within one year after final departure it may be transferred to the Paul Du Pasquier Foundation.
Fee payment options
- Accepted primary methods: bank transfer (IBAN provided on invoices). - Other methods accepted with additional charges: credit card (Visa, AmEx, Mastercard, Diners; 3% service charge) and PayPal (3% fee). Direct payment at the school office is possible within stated deadlines. All payments must include the student's name as payment reference.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
The school follows an international curriculum across divisions. In Early Years, the EYFS framework is used; Primary School teaches the English National Curriculum (ENC) and the International Primary Curriculum (IPC). In Secondary School, students undertake the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the IGCSE, before choosing between the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) or the High School Diploma (HSD) in Years 12 and 13. French is compulsory and the French Language Diploma (DELF) is offered from Year 5 with a 100% pass rate among the youngest participants in Vaud. Cambridge English Qualifications provide a CEFR-aligned pathway from A1 to C2. Small class sizes and personalised learning support students, and a Higher Education and Futures Programme provides university guidance.
Curriculum details
The school offers Swiss Maturity, French Baccalaureate, and International Baccalaureate diplomas; IB Diploma and Prep Year are available.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
Small class sizes.
Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
DELF is offered from Year 5 onward. The school reports that DELF participants are among the youngest in the canton of Vaud and consistently achieve a 100% pass rate.
Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
From early in Secondary School, Higher Education and Futures Programme provides university guidance. University Guidance Specialists assist with programme selection, university applications, personal statements, and interview preparation. They support admissions to universities worldwide, including Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Higher education progression
Graduates may pursue specialised universities (HES) or Swiss universities for bachelor's degrees, with preparation for required entrance exams and maturity exams.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
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Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
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Community
Community
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Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
4 Easy Steps to Apply: 1. Contact our Admissions Team to start the process. 2. Complete the admissions form and send us all the necessary documents. 3. After a positive evaluation, you will receive an offer to be accepted. 4. Formally accept the offer and fulfil all the financial obligations.
Fees and costs: Application fee CHF 1'800. Full-Year Boarding CHF 85'000 to CHF 129'000. Full-Year Day School CHF 47'000 to CHF 94'000. Local Students CHF 19'800.
Enquiries: The Admissions Team will support and guide you through every step of the process via the enquiry form and contact channels.
Scholarships: The school does not offer scholarships.
Admissions
1. Interview and application initiation. The interview with the programme director can be on campus or online. We confirm receipt within 24 hours and inform you of the next steps. 2. Download the application form and begin the process. The application form is available to download here and the steps to follow are given below. 3. School records and language information. Send copies of your school transcripts, in English, for the last two years. If you do not have these available please let us know when they will be available. 4. Language proficiency. If English is your mother tongue or if you have studied in an English speaking curriculum for over 4 years, a test will not be required. A copy of an official English test, IELTS, TOEFL or other, should be sent with the application form. If you haven't taken one, contact us to take an online evaluation. 5. Supplementary documents. A passport sized photo; A copy of your passport; A copy of your resident permit if you are not a Swiss national. 6. Next steps. Any missing documents may be sent later but please indicate when they are likely to be available. 7. When to apply and visa information. The best time to apply to Ecole Lemania is as soon as possible, but most applications are received from November to March. There are several reasons for applying early: you can reserve your boarding room preference, you have time to obtain your visa, and your place is reserved. EU/EEA or UK passport holders do not need a student visa; all other nationalities require a visa, and the visa process takes 6–10 weeks. All students must register as a foreign resident within 14 days of arrival. 8. Arriving in Switzerland and induction. After arrival, you may be met at the airport if arranged in advance. Boarding students should arrive the Sunday before classes start; day students arrive on the first day of term and will take part in an induction programme with teachers and new and returning students. Boarding and induction details are provided on arrival.
Scholarships
Scholarships
The school does not offer scholarships.
Scholarships
The Paul Du Pasquier Foundation provides scholarships to help cover part of Lemania School tuition. The decision to grant a scholarship is based on merit and the student's financial need, and each scholarship is renewable if the criteria set by Lemania are met. The selection considers motivation, academic results, talents and excellence, as well as the ability to follow the chosen program. Parents must provide information about their financial situation for the scholarship assessment, and the amount awarded is determined from that information. Recipients are treated the same as other students, and information about awards remains confidential. A Scholarship Application Form is available for applicants.